When Garry Monk shocked Leeds United at the end of last season by resigning from his job, it brought into the picture a certain Thomas Christiansen. Christiansen guided Apoel Nicosia of Cyprus to the last 16 of the Europa League and to Cypriot first division title last season before taking over at Leeds.
When Christian walked into the club, the board was hoping to see the positive effect of having a foreign manager, in a manner somewhat similar to what David Wagner or Marco Silva has had at Huddersfield Town and Hull City last season.
Leeds got off to a flying start to their new season. Fast flowing football that was easy on the eye and a defence that since the opening game at Bolton had conceded three goals in eight games meant that Leeds could not have hoped for a better start. The Leeds machine, however, began to show signs of crack as the league progressed and they now stand eleventh in the table after 13 defeats in 31 games. It led to the sacking of their manager but his departure did little to turn around the club’s fortune
Doubts are clouding over the club and the atmosphere at Leeds right now is grave. Several post-mortem reports of the club’s defeats have speculated about various aspects that the club needs to get right. One clear need for a position of reinforcement is that of a striker.
With Caleb Ekuban just returning from his time on the sidelines, Samuel Sáiz suffering from some serious disciplinary issues and Pierre-Michel Lasogga unable to fire on all cylinders, the bulk of the scoring responsibility has fallen on Kemar Roofe and Leeds could do with another option up front.
With playoff hopes rapidly disappearing, Leeds will be preparing for another assault next season. It is being reported that they are keen to bring in Capri striker Jerry Mbakogu next season. The 25-year old Nigerian has played for multiple Italian clubs including being part of Juventus as a young player.
He is physically strong and can hold up the ball as well as run fast between the lines. He has scored 36 goals and provided 20 assists for Capri in 124 matches and played a key part in their promotion campaign scoring 15 in 30 matches. He has been in good touch this season scoring 8 in 20, including a strike in front of the Leeds scouts. It would be a good deal for the Whites to get a player like Mbakogu into their side.
